Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri suspended for four matches following spitting incident

Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-match suspension and fined £15,000 after admitting to spitting at Leeds United supporters during a Premier League clash in October, Sport360NG reports.

The 22-year-old Tunisia international will be unavailable for selection until Burnley’s home game against Newcastle United on 30 December. The incident occurred in the 67th minute of Burnley’s 2-0 victory over Leeds on 18 October, prompting an investigation by Lancashire Police following a complaint from a Leeds fan.

The Football Association confirmed the sanction, stating: “It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute. Hannibal Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 fine following a hearing.”

Mejbri, who joined Burnley from Manchester United in August 2024 in a deal potentially worth £9.4 million, has made 50 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring once. He will miss upcoming Premier League matches against Newcastle, Fulham, Bournemouth, and Everton.

Burnley, promoted from the Championship last season, are currently 19th in the Premier League, having lost their last five league games.